Key features of the Pentax K-01 Digital Camera Body
1. Exceptional image quality
The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.7 mm by 15.7 mm. With 16.28 megapixels, this sensor ensures a high-speed readout of image data signals. It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range — from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or to ISO 25600 when expanded using a custom function — while minimising digital noise at all sensitivity levels.
2. High-quality video recording
The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a Full HD video-recording function to capture high-quality movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels). The H.264 format offers great images whilst recording at a choice of frame rate (30, 25 or 24 frames per second). It also comes with two new features to facilitate video recording: a video recording button for instant pushbutton start, and a stereo microphone for more realistic sound.
Personal touches can be added to recorded clips using various Custom Functions. Alternatively, the subject can be recorded in a series of video clips using the interval movie shooting mode. The PENTAX K-01 also comes with an HDMI terminal, which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and stereo sound. It also has an external microphone input terminal. In addition, the K-01 features the new “PRIME M” imaging engine to ensure first-rate movie recording performance.
3. New-generation HDR mode
The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which produces one extra-wide-gradation composite photo from three images taken at different exposure levels, has been upgraded to create a greater range of visual effects. This upgraded HDR mode can be instantly selected with a turn of the mode dial. The user can take advantage of newly added features to select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effects, while an automatic position adjustment function assures precise alignment of three images even when they are taken handheld.
4. A selection of image processing tools for personalised effects
The PENTAX K-01’s Custom Image function allows the user to select the most appropriate imaging characteristics for a particular subject or scene from 11 preset custom image functions. These functions include: Bleach Bypass to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures and Cross Process to produce an image with unusual colours.
5. The K-01 also features 19 distinctive digital filters — including Miniature, which makes a real life scene appear as an image full of miniature models. Users can be as creative and imaginative as they like by applying multiple digital filters to a single image.
6. Smooth, quiet, high-speed burst shooting
The PENTAX K-01’s high-speed burst shooting mode allows users to capture fast-moving subjects in a series of images, as it captures up to five images per second. With its mirrorless construction, the K-01 also offers exceptionally silent mechanical operation.
7. Large, wide-angle 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 921,000 dots
The PENTAX K-01 features a large, easy-to-view, high-resolution 3-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. Its wide-view design guarantees a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low and high-angle shooting.
8. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The PENTAX K-01 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces annoying camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all compatible lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras. This mechanism produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight. By mounting the PENTAX 0-GPS1 on the K-01, the user can simplify the tracking and photographing of celestial bodies. (Optional GPS unit launched in June 2011).
9. Effortless, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes
The PENTAX K-01 features the PENTAX-original, user-friendly Auto Picture mode, which selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene from Portrait, Landscape, Macro and other distinctive shooting modes, while optimising all camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. The K-01 also offers 19 different Scene modes, which simplifies the photographing of difficult subjects or demanding scenes — such as Night Scene, Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette mode — simply by choosing the corresponding icon on the camera’s LCD monitor.
10. Other features
I. TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, centre-weighted and spot modes
II. Contrast-detection autofocus system, with 81 selectable focus points
III. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake off dust adhering to the surface of the CMOS image sensor
IV. CTE (Colour Temperature Enhancement) white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant colour of a particular scene, such as a sunset
V. A choice of four image ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and photographic situations
VI. Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
VII. Interval shooting mode, useful in time lapse recording of landscapes and flowers/plants from an exact same location and angle
VIII. Compatibility with the new-standard SDXC and UHS Speed Class 1 memory cards
IX. SILKY Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX RAW-data development software (developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included. In-camera RAW-data development also available
Pentax's sample images
